The House of Medici was a powerful and influential family in Florence, Italy, during the Renaissance period. They rose to prominence in the 15th century through banking and commerce, becoming one of the wealthiest families in Europe. Their financial success allowed them to become significant patrons of the arts and culture, supporting artists like Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci. The Medici family produced several notable figures, including Lorenzo de' Medici, known as "Lorenzo the Magnificent," who played a crucial role in the political and cultural life of Florence. The family's influence extended beyond Florence, as they also produced several popes, including Pope Leo X, further solidifying their legacy in European history.